For the homebound in Mattapoisett, there’s a way to get books, magazines, and DVDs delivered to your door, and it’s a lot cheaper than Amazon.

Volunteers from the Friends of the Mattapoisett Library will bring requested items from the library through its free Words on Wheels delivery service.

“It’s an outreach program that’s been institutionalized for quite some time,” said Library Director Susan Pizzolato.

Volunteers originally used a yellow tricycle to transport library materials to homebound patrons, but these days they take their own cars.

Patron Lisa Howard said, “I was a former librarian so I was always on the giving end. This is a really wonderful service.”

Howard has been homebound since having hip replacement surgery in the fall. Upon returning home from the hospital in November, Howard has taken advantage of the service, requesting new books every few weeks.

“I’ve been ordering fiction because it’s easier and it’s a vicarious thrill to get outside my world,” said Howard.

Having an extra visitor is nice, too. “It enriches my life and helps me feel less isolated,” she said.

Mattapoisett resident Leda Kim delivers Howard’s library reserves and said, “I plan to sit for a few minutes with her. It’s a wonderful service, especially for people like Lisa who are recuperating from surgery or for elderly people who can’t get out.”

For Kim, volunteering has helped her adjust to Mattapoisett.

“Being new in town, it was a way for me to meet people, and a way to learn the streets,” said Kim.

Pizzolato said she would like to see more people take advantage of Words on Wheels. Currently only six people receive materials, though there are eight volunteers ready to go.

“Sometimes people feel awkward about asking for that if they have family members who stop in, but it’s OK,” said Pizzolato. “We’re happy to do it. You don’t have to be alone and homebound.”

And people of all ages can benefit, said Pizzolato. “Sometimes it might even be a child or a student that has an injury.”

Howard has enjoyed the program so much that she recently joined the Friends of the Library and purchased a gift membership for her daughter.

Howard has two more surgeries this winter, but said once she has recovered, “Hopefully I can return the favor to someone else.”

To inquire about the delivery service, call the Mattapoisett Library at 508-758-4171.